| dc.description.abstract | The Leuser Ecosystem Area (LEA) is one of the largest conservation areas in Southeast Asia. However, the explorations of
ichthyofauna at LEA are still relatively scarce compared to other vertebrates fauna. We report the first ichthyofauna studies of
the northern river of LEA in Aceh Province. This study aimed to determine the composition, diversity, biometric condition,
potency, and conservation status of freshwater fish in Merbau River, LEA, Indonesia. Fish sampling was carried out at six
research stations using selective gill nets, throwing net, hook, tray net, and scoop net. A total of 434 individual fish belonging to
21 species, nine families and six orders were collected from the sampling location. Cyprinidae was the predominant family
obtained, namely 42.9%. Based on their conservation status, 85.7% of collected fish were categorized as Least Concern, 9.5%
as Data Deficient, and 4.8% as Near Threatened. A total of 14 fish have the potential as consumption fish, two species have the
potential as ornamental fish, and five others have the potential both as consumption and ornamental fish. All fish species
collected had negative allometric growth patterns with growth coefficient values (b) ranging from 1.17–2.51. The diversity and
evenness index of fish was categorized as moderate (H’ = 2.52) with stable conditions (E = 0.85). | en_US |
